Hotel 10

Much like the building itself, a square lit by a wedge of bright neon light, Hotel 10 feels like a flashy ‘80s throwback to a more-is-more time. On our visit, electronic pop music was playing on the sound system, and public spaces were spritzed with the hotel’s signature scent, “white tea.” A long rectangular table dominates the lobby, acting as a work/lounge spot. Its surrounded by patchwork-print Eames chairs and two transparent “ghost” armchairs on either end—fashion-forward seating, if not particularly comfortable. But USB ports here do provide a practical touch for on-the-go guests to charge up. A bar to the left of reception offers a spot to recharge with drinks or light bites.

Hallways are just as flashy, and murals by the elevators represent different aspects of Montreal like Jazz Fest or an electric guitar to represent the ‘90s musician Dede Fortin, who is something of a patron saint of the place. His band Les Colocs was founded here, back when the building was a loft for artists. The hotel even has a themed suite commemorating the lead singer who lived in that very room. Other nods to the past include one (inaccessible) stairwell incased behind glass that shows the building from its art-loft days, a raw, graffitied space with stripped down concrete steps and stained-glass windows—a far cry from the slick and glossy hotel it has become.

The building also attracts a very different type of resident today. During the week, corporate types and young business travelers bunk here and make use of the lower-level meeting rooms. During the weekend, the crowds get more touristy with groups of friends or young couples sightseeing. On our visit, the bro vibe was in full swing, thanks to a bachelor party kicking off their night on the town, and no doubt the group’s party would start right at the hotel’s nightclub, Blvd 44.

Most guests rave about the Hotel 10’s convenient location. While it’s outside Old Montreal, it’s not hard to reach all that cobblestone cuteness in a 15-minute stroll. Five more minutes walking will get you to the Old Port, with the Montreal Science Centre. Notre-Dame can also be reached in 17 minutes.

Museum buffs will be happy to be close to the MAC (aka the contemporary art museum of Montreal), which is even closer at nine minutes on foot. For academics, or just those that appreciate a pretty campus, McGill University is a 14-minute walk south. It’s also worth noting that the city’s red-light district is a short seven-minute walk away, which could account for all the bachelor parties that roll through the hotel.

Not everything is in walking distance. Some sights still require transportation, like the neighborhood of Mile End with its local bar scene, famed dining, and hipster shops, which is a 10-minute drive or 22 minutes by public transit. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport can be reached in an hour by public transit or 30 minutes by car.

Compared to public spaces, guest rooms are a bit more restful and reserved. A soft gray, cream, and mauve color palette sets the mood, along with black-and-white photos of sculptural objects or landscapes. Modular writing desk/bureau combos run along one wall together with rectangular mirrors. Concrete ceilings do give a touch of the edgy “artist loft” vibe from the hotel’s former life.

Most rooms fall into the Privilege or Deluxe categories. Privilege is the entry level, but the two categories are almost identical in space and amenities. The only real difference is Deluxe Kings add a standalone bathtub, and Deluxe Queens have two queen beds. (Privilege simply has two doubles.) A few other details give a slight upgrade to the Deluxe rooms, such as generic toiletries versus the Byredo ones. Views can be either street or garden ones, and those with the former do occasionally complain of noise.

Amenities are stellar throughout and include Nespresso machines with coffee pods, 55” flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, mini-fridges, free bottled water, USB-port alarm clocks, irons/ironing boards, umbrellas, bathrobes, and slippers. Rooms also have individual temperature control.

Renovated bathrooms are done up in sleek espresso-colored tile offset by square sinks and showers or tubs in white. But it’s worth noting that walk-in showers lack rainfall showerheads, an odd omission given this is a standard fixture for most hotel bathrooms.

Hotel 10 does have a handful of suites, and Suite 2116 is a special thematic one celebrating the musician Dede Fortin. Superfans will appreciate the collection of DVDs and CDs on hand here, plus the memorabilia that lines the walls and corners, such as the photos, notes, letters, even a sock displayed like a saint’s relic. (Those looking to book this suite can request “Chez Dede.”)

There’s also a high-rolling penthouse completely glassed in with two-story windows. The views—stretching all the way through Downtown—and the light are terrific, although it’s hard not to feel a little overexposed. This unit has a full kitchen (oven, stovetop, microwave), a 65-inch flat-screen TV, and two bathrooms (one with a shower, one with a tub and shower). This could make for a terrific home base for the usual bachelor parties that book here.

It’s worth noting that on our visit, some condos were being constructed next door to the Penthouse and that could bring some noise, although all was quiet when we toured it.

Features at the Hotel 10 reflect the property’s young clientele, so it makes sense that they give their wine bar and nightclub top billing. The nightclub is part of the allure for bachelor parties and other guests on the town, and its divided into separate areas for dancing and drinking, including an open-air terrace. This space can be booked for private events, too. Drinks can also be had at Bar20, the hotel’s wine bar, which gives a calmer atmosphere for a nightcap.

The hotel serves a full breakfast buffet, though it usually isn’t included in room rates. Rooms service is available during the day and into the evening (but not 24 hours). And independently run coffee shop, Café Origine, can also be found on the ground floor, helpful if you need a caffeine boost before going out sightseeing.

Business travelers can make use of the hotel’s various meeting rooms, which have A/V equipment and can be configured into several layouts (classroom, boardroom, banquet dinner). There’s also a public computer, and the lobby has work space and USB plugs.

The basement level holds a glassed-in gym, although those working out here might feel on display as a staircase to meeting rooms passes right by the wall-to-wall windows. But the space is well-equiped with TechnoGym treadmills, recumbent bikes, free weights, a rower, and various weight-lifting equipment. A trainer is available for sessions, too. The gym also holds a handful of lockers and a single shower, which is also a nice little perk for those that want to freshen up from a flight before their room is ready.

On our visit, the hotel’s hair salon had closed and construction had begun to replace this space with a spa.